Since I started flying in 2015 I realized there are too many myths surrounding the aviation industry. And many more unanswered questions, for example:
Can I become a Cabin Crew member if I am not single?
Are Cabin Crew members and pilots away from home for very long periods?
Are Cabin Crew members trained to land an aircraft?
What is the salary of a Cabin Crew member/pilot?
Can I become a Cabin Crew member/pilot if I wear glasses?
Do I need to be 18 years old to start flight training?
It is the beginning of 2024 and the perfect time for New Year resolutions so let's discuss the following hot topic: Do you need a college degree to become a Cabin Crew member?
At the beginning of 2024, given the rise in travel demand following the COVID-19 recovery, many airlines are looking for talented candidates. Are you interested in being one of them? Great news! So let's begin! 🤩✈
What exactly are airlines looking for when hiring new cabin crew members? Let's check together the most common requirements:
Age: generally >= 18/21 years old (and yes, for aspiring pilots, in Europe you can start flying and obtain your private pilot license even before 18 years old - we'll discuss more during another post)
Language skills: fluent in written and spoken English (ideally, aim for an advanced/C1 level. English skills are assessed during the recruitment day. If you are about to attend a recruitment day, you will find very useful information here). Additional languages are an advantage.
Height: depending on the airline and the aircraft they operate, there might be some minimum height requirements, such as 1.56/1.58 m. for females and 1.65 m. for males. Cabin Crew members must be able to reach the emergency equipment located in the overhead compartments. Some airlines might require candidates to be able to reach 2.10-2.12 m. when standing on tiptoes.
Weight: there is no need to be a beauty model to become a cabin crew! Proportional height/weight is sufficient. Cabin Crew members must be able to sit comfortably on the jump seat without using an extension belt.
Tattoos: having tattoos is generally allowed, as long as they are not visible while in uniform, so consider using a long-sleeve shirt/pants in case you have visible tattoos on the arms/legs.
Background check: airlines would usually require candidates to undergo a screening before employment, so be sure you can provide accurate details regarding your education/employment in the last 5 years. If for example, during the last 5 years, you had employment/education gaps of more than 15 days, you will have to explain the reasons and bring proofs.
Travel documentation: valid passport and travel/crew member VISA, in function of the airline's network
Able to swim: most airlines require candidates to be able to swim 50 m. unaided, without a life jacket. Additionally, during the emergency training, you might be required to inflate a raft, detach a slide, and swim 50 m. while carrying another person etc.
What about the level of education required? Well, the good news is that a high school diploma is usually sufficient to work as a Cabin Crew member. However, since I started my aviation career, I realized that many of my colleagues had also a college degree. This can be an advantage during the recruitment day and also if you wish to apply for a higher-level position in the future.
It is important to note that a Cabin Crew member position might open you a world of opportunities in the aviation industry such as instructor, examiner, line trainer, supervisor, crew resource management instructor etc. Most of these higher-level positions require a college degree, ideally in human resources, tourism or management.
And you? Are you planning to apply for a Cabin Crew member position before or after graduating college? 😁🛩
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